I heated up a pristine skillet and threw some Daily Sencha in for around 15 seconds moving it the whole time. I was NOT trying to make houjicha, and the leaf was still green at the conclusion. I quickly removed the leaf from the skillet still moving the leaf around to prevent over cooking or browning.

Victoria wrote:You have to give me credit for hanging it there though, right?

I guess. But, uh, really, why bother? The smell is what I love; if you hate it, what's the point in trying to get through it? There's loads of great tea out there, and I don't think any less of you for just not liking one particular sort.

I mean, I tried that perfume you sent me once and then gave it away. Having spent a good hour holding my breath, I established that it wasn't for me and moved on. We may be twins in some respects, but there's no shame in having different responses to smells.

But honestly the smell; I'm just having trouble getting past it. I try to hold my breath as I take a sip. You have to give me credit for hanging it there though, right?

I am with you about the smell, Victoria! I gave up on this tea because the smell makes me think of shoe polish and a great number of army boots. I think they were trying to recreate the Russian "Railroad" tea I was describing a few days ago. But obviously more progress is needed, as they say in elementary school.

I love the taste. I am really enjoying it. And I will continue to drink it and get more if I can get my friend to send me some from Amsterdam. Trying to get two bags so I can send you one too.

I just meant, I will have to learn to love the aroma as much as the brew. I believe you can learn to love different scents, and I'm just saying I'm trying. Hopefully I will get there and then I will enjoy it even more.

I never mean to offend in anyway. I was just teasing. Really sorry if you took me wrong. :O(

Ack! No, I'm not offended. I just got the sense you were suffering on my behalf and wanted to, you know, give you permission to hate lapsang if you wanted to. Heh. Obviously if you like it, keep drinking it.

There. That's my tea philosophy in a nutshell. If you like it, keep drinking it.

It is now 12am and I am on my third steep of Wu's 2006 Ripe Pu-Erh from my 120ml yixing.....brews a very sweet cup! Saturday, another great tea day it has been! I look forward to hearing from all of you tomorrow! Have a great night!